CHEMICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE HANDBOOK Graduate...CHEMICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE HANDBOOK 08/2016 Page | 3 II. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW MS Degree Program An M.S

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE HANDBOOK 08/2016

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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE HANDBOOK

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

III. PROGRAM COMPONENTS

IV. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

V. THESIS/DISSERTATION RESEARCH ADVISOR

VI. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

VII. PROGRAM MILESTONES

VIII. THESIS/DISSERTATION DEFENSE

IX. PROGRAM POLICIES: INTEGRITY IN RESEARCH

X. STUDENT CONDUCT AND APPEALS PROCESS


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I. INTRODUCTION

Oklahoma State University

"Where People Are Important"

Our program is small enough that we can give one-on-one attention each student deserves, yet

large enough to provide the resources needed for quality education and research. Faculty

expertise has a balance of industrial experience and theoretical analysis, which contributes to

bringing practice oriented applications into teaching efforts and research projects. Many

research projects have a strong application component driven by fundamentals and theory.

Graduate students find employment after graduation in a variety of industries, ranging from

biomedical devices, to process design/control, to energy management. The graduate student

body is diverse and dynamic. We have both domestic and international students who organize

various activities including picnics, sports, and presentations from industry representatives.

Check out http://cheGSA.okstate.edu. Students routinely author or coauthor many publications

in scholarly journals and technical reports and participate in regional, national and international

conferences. OSU has an exceptional campus social climate comprised of people from diverse

cultural backgrounds. The quality of life is excellent in our safe, friendly environment, while

cost of living is very low relative to the financial support.

In general, our research areas can be grouped into four categories (shown in the figure).

In 2014, our research funding exceeded $5M from various federal agencies and industrial

sources.

http://chegsa.okstate.edu/


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II. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MS Degree Program

An M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University signifies that the

recipient has demonstrated advanced knowledge of fundamental chemical engineering topics. In

addition, an M.S. graduate has exhibited the ability to successfully and independently integrate

this knowledge to solve complex quantitative problems in a logical manner.

Objectives

Specific educational objectives have been established for the M.S. program, and they can be met

through a combination of course work, independent study and other mechanisms (e.g., seminar).

These objectives are shown below, along with the criteria used to assess success in achieving

them.

Educational Objectives Outcome Assessments

1. Build upon and expand the student’s undergraduate

education by emphasizing depth in thermodynamics,

transport phenomena, kinetics, and mathematical modeling

Complete the “core” courses in

the M.S. curriculum

2. Expand personal knowledge of the broad range of

applications of chemical engineering

Complete three credits of

Chemical Engineering Seminar

(CHE 6010)

3. Develop the skills required to work independently to

solve unique problems in chemical engineering

Complete an M.S. thesis research

project

4. Attain additional knowledge (breadth and/or depth) in

topics related to chemical engineering

Complete at least two M.S.

elective courses related to the

student’s career objectives

5. Develop effective written and oral communications skills Write, and defend orally, an M.S.

thesis

The emphasis in course work during the M.S. degree is on depth of understanding of subject

matter and on preparing students for careers in the areas of their interest. Depth is obtained

through broad-based “core” courses addressing knowledge expected of all chemical engineers,

while other courses are targeted toward the student’s research and specific career interests. The

core areas include fundamentals and applications of mathematical modeling, thermodynamics,

kinetics and transport phenomena. The courses are structured to expand and add depth to the

students’ undergraduate knowledge.

Additional “elective” courses must be selected, with the advice and consent of the student’s

research advisor, from graduate-approved courses in any department. The choice of courses is


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based solely on improving skills related to the student’s educational objectives. Each Fall and

Spring Semester, all students will participate in a seminar class to give them an overview of –

and appreciation for – the wide range of applicability of chemical engineering knowledge.

Students also complete “research” courses as part of the M.S. thesis research project.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University signifies that the recipient

has demonstrated a breadth of advanced knowledge in the subjects that form the foundation of

chemical engineering. In addition, the graduate will have demonstrated the ability to

independently and efficiently make creative, relevant, significant contributions at the forefront of

knowledge in traditional or emerging fields within the Chemical Engineering discipline. The

program is designed to prepare the graduate with the widest possible career opportunities as a

leader in industrial and academic arenas.

The Ph.D. experience allows the candidate to develop and demonstrate the independent, self-

directed, creative, productivity of an accomplished professional. As such, the Ph.D. experience

must go well beyond directed classroom courses in which the professor chooses the content,

assigns specific homework and grades short-term projects. Personal attributes developed during

the Ph.D. program include curiosity, perseverance, creativity, productivity, leadership,

communication effectiveness, interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop a comprehensive

understanding of any problem under study and its relation to societal needs. Accordingly,

qualifications for undertaking the Ph.D. degree are predicated on attributes such as the above,

plus indications that the candidate can meet the expectations of independent, accomplished,

creative, engineering work. A formal “Qualifying Examination” is administered to determine the

student’s readiness to undertake the research component of the Ph.D. program.

Breadth of advanced knowledge is demonstrated primarily by completion of a carefully

prescribed “core” of class work. Additional courses may be selected by the candidate and/or

prescribed by the Advisory Committee to assist in improving the candidate’s fundamental

knowledge base or to allow the candidate to acquire specialized knowledge for the solution of a

dissertation research project.

From the Qualifying Exam through the final defense of the dissertation, the candidate develops

and demonstrates the ability to: independently identify an area in which research is needed;

assemble the relevant existing knowledge; develop the requisite experimental; computational or

theoretical skills; synthesize the existing knowledge; available skills and facilities into a

scientifically defensible research plan; pursue the plan in an efficient and timely manner to

realize a significant result; and organize and communicate his/her ideas and results in a

professionally acceptable manner. A required presentation of the research in a public forum is

used to further demonstrate the oral communication and organizational skills of the candidate.


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Objectives

The specific educational objectives of the Ph.D. program may be met through a combination of

course work, independent study and research, and other mechanisms (e.g., seminar). These

objectives are expressed in terms of educational development beyond the B.S. degree. The

criteria used to assess success in meeting the Ph.D. objectives are also listed, as follows:

Educational Objectives Outcome Assessments

1. Build upon and expand the student’s

undergraduate education by emphasizing depth in

thermodynamics, transport phenomena, kinetics

and mathematical modeling

Complete the “core” courses in the M.S.

curriculum (or have previously completed

equivalent courses in an M.S. degree

program)

2. Expand personal knowledge of the broad range

of applications of chemical engineering

Complete six credits of Chemical

Engineering Seminar (CHE 6010)

(three credits for students entering with an

M.S. degree)

3. Attain additional knowledge (breadth and/or

depth) in topics related to chemical engineering

Complete at least five elective courses

related to the student’s career objectives

4. Refine the ability to define a research problem

and develop a plan for its solution

Complete three credits of CHE 6703,

Research Methods in Chemical Engineering

5. Demonstrate the independence, initiative and

ability to conceive, plan, execute, complete, and

defend research work at the frontier of scientific

and/or engineering knowledge

Complete and defend a dissertation which

includes a clear advance in the state of

knowledge in some field of chemical

engineering

6. Develop effective written and oral

communications skills

Complete a written qualifying examination

and a dissertation, present the results orally,

and deliver a formal presentation at a

technical society meeting or a CHE seminar


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Plan of Study (POS)

A plan of study serves as a contract between a student and the university. Your POS is the

blueprint for successful completion of your degree requirements. The student should complete

the plan of study for the degree, have it approved by the advisory committee, and submit the

original form to the Graduate College. The student should secure the plan of study form from the

Graduate College, (http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/planofstudy) develop the plan with the advisor,

have it approved by the advisory committee and submit it to the Graduate College for final

approval.

For a master’s program, our program requires the completion of the plan of study by the

end of the first semester.

For the Ph.D. program, our program requires the completion of the plan of study by the

end of the second semester.

Changes in the plan of study can be made with the approval of the advisory committee and the

dean of the Graduate College. A final, accurate and approved plan must be filed before the end

of the second week of the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. The plan of study is

subject to modification.

Because the acceptance of work which the student desires to use toward the degree rests with the

advisory committee, it is important to plan a complete program and have it approved by the dean

of the Graduate College as soon as possible. Graduate credit, up to a maximum of nine hours,

used to obtain one master’s degree may, with the approval of the advisory committee, be counted

toward completion of another master’s degree.

The plan must include all the acceptable graduate work that has been completed and all that will

be taken for the Ph.D. degree. The plan should include (1) at least 75 percent of courses taken at

5000-6000 level, (2) a minimum of 60 hours beyond the master’s degree, and (3) at least 15

hours and no more than 60 hours of dissertation credit. Courses used to earn a master’s degree

are not listed on the doctoral plan of study.

For students with a BS or BA, POS must list exactly 90 credit hours

For students with an MS degree, POS must list exactly 60 credit hours

BS Degree, minimum of 36 credit hours/MS Degree, minimum 30 credit hours CHE

6000 PhD Research and Thesis

BS Degree, 6 credit hours CHE 6010- Chemical Engineering Seminar/MS Degree, 3

credit hours CHE 6010- Chemical Engineering Seminar

12 credit hours of CHE Core Courses if BS Degree or MS Degree not from OSU

Sufficient Graduate-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by the student,

with approval of the student's advisor to make a total of 90/60 credit hours on the POS

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/planofstudy


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Requirements for Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

(RCR) Education and training in the ethical and responsible conduct of research is an essential element of training for

individuals who will be engaged in research in any field. Oklahoma State University policy requires all

graduate students to complete, on a one-time-only basis early in their graduate study, an online module about

responsible conduct of research (RCR). Click on the link http://compliance.okstate.edu/rcr/rcr-index to access

the module.

All new graduate students should plan to complete the module in their first semester. After completing the

module, print the completion certificate and bring it to Chemical Engineering office for filing.

Important Links:

English Language Proficiency for Admission

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/application-process-0

Graduate College Round-Up website link for the Plan of Study


Responsible Conduct in Research Overview:

http://compliance.okstate.edu/rcr/rcr-index


http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/application-process-0




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IV. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

MS Minimum Performance Requirements

Satisfactory academic performance is required of all students in the M.S. program. Minimum

acceptable performance is evaluated as follows.

If a student receives a grade of “C” in any CHE course, the student’s performance will be

reviewed before the beginning of the next semester or summer term by the entire CHE faculty.

A decision regarding the student’s retention or dismissal from the program will be made, based

on a) overall classroom performance, b) progress to date on the research topic, and c) the

faculty’s assessment of the student’s prospect for successful future progress in the graduate

program. Results of this review may include, but are not limited to:

a. Continuation in the program,

b. Required enrollment in remedial course work,

c. Required defense of research progress to date and/or an effective outline of future

research plans, or

d. Dismissal from the graduate program

In all cases, any CHE course with a grade of “C” must be repeated at the next offering of the

course. A grade of “C” in a second course will again result in a review of the student’s progress.

In all but the rarest cases, a second “C” in a CHE course (or a “D” or “F” in any course) will

result in dismissal from the graduate program. Further, at the completion of 25 or more credit

hours in the M.S. program, the student must have a cumulative grade point average (exclusive of

CHE 5000, 5990 and 6000) of no less than 3.00/4.00.

In all cases where satisfactory performance is in question, the faculty has the prerogative to alter

the degree program of the student. The student may be reassigned to a “Creative Component”

option (see Section D.4). For such a reassignment the student will not be eligible to pursue the

Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering at OSU.

Thesis and Oral Examination

Each M.S. candidate must prepare a written thesis and defend it before an examining committee

of at least three faculty members (minimum two from the department). The written document

must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate College for format and structure. The thesis

defense consists of a twenty-minute (maximum) oral presentation by the student, followed by

questions from the committee. Questioning continues for as long as the committee chairman

deems appropriate. The student is then dismissed, and the committee deliberates in private.

When a decision is reached the committee informs the student of their decision. The committee

will normally reach one of the following conclusions:

The candidate has completed the CHE M.S. thesis requirement,

The candidate must revise the thesis to the satisfaction of the Examining Committee, with

possible reexamination, or

The candidate has failed the examination and is dismissed from the M.S. program or

converted to the creative component option.


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Creative Component Option (Non-Thesis)

The M.S. degree may also be earned by the Creative Component option. A minimum of thirty-

two (32) semester credits is required by the University for Graduation. The elective courses

must approved by the student’s advisor (must include Stagewise - CHE 5633 and Process

Simulation – CHE 5373). The CHE 5990 course is used for research, and a report (a “mini-

thesis”) must be submitted and defended, prepared in the style of an M.S. thesis, but not

submitted for Graduate College approval. The creative component option is used only in

unusual cases, and only at the suggestion of the student’s research advisor.

Course Work

A minimum of thirty (30) semester credits is required by the University for Graduation; this

requirement is met by the CHE M.S. curriculum, which is summarized as follows:

Items Course Description Credits

Core

courses

CHE 5123 - Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering

CHE 5213 - Selected Diffusional Unit Operations

CHE 5743 - Chemical Engineering Process Modeling

CHE 5843 - Principles of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

12

Seminar CHE 6010 - Chemical Engineering Seminar 3

Elective Graduate-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by the

student, with approval of the student's advisor. Suggested Elective Courses 6

Thesis CHE 5000- M.S. Thesis 6

Others CHE 5990- Special Problems 3

TOTAL 30

Minimum Enrollment

First Semester

Ten (10) credit hours must be taken

Courses must include all required CHE core courses offered that semester

Remedial English (ENGL 0003) may be taken in place of one of the above courses, if

necessary (but may not be used to satisfy any graduation requirement)

One (1) hour of CHE 6010 must be included

Second Semester




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Subsequent Semesters

At least three (3) hours of CHE 5000 and one (1) hour of CHE 6010 must be taken. This

applies to all semesters, including the last semester (or part of a semester) in which the

student is enrolled. (In summer sessions, at least two hours of CHE 5000 must be taken;

CHE 6010 is not required).

Minimum enrollment is six hours in the fall and spring semesters, and three hours in the

summer. The specific courses will be determined by the student with approval of the

advisor.

Exceptions to these minimum enrollment requirements can be made to permit a student to carry

fewer than 10 hours in the first two semesters if, upon initial enrollment in the program, the

student agrees not to request financial support at any future time while in the M.S. program.

Creative Component Option (Non-Thesis)

The M.S. degree may also be earned by the Creative Component option. A minimum of thirty-

two (32) semester credits is required by the University for Graduation; this requirement is met by

the CHE M.S. curriculum, which is summarized as follows:


Core courses

CHE 5123 - Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering




12


Elective

Graduate-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by the

student, with approval of the student's advisor. Suggested Elective

Courses

15

Others CHE 5990- Special Problems 2

TOTAL 32

The elective courses must approved by the student’s advisor (must include Stagewise - CHE

5633 and Process Simulation – CHE 5373). The CHE 5990 course is used for research, and a

report (a “mini-thesis”) must be submitted and defended, prepared in the style of an M.S. thesis,

but not submitted for Graduate College approval. The creative component option is used only in

unusual cases, and only at the suggestion of the student’s research advisor.

http://che.okstate.edu/content/suggested_courses



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PhD Minimum Performance Requirements

Satisfactory academic performance is required of all students in the Ph.D. program. Minimum

acceptable performance is evaluated as follows.

If a student receives a grade of “C” in any CHE course, the student’s performance will be

reviewed before the beginning of the next semester or summer term by the entire CHE faculty. A

decision regarding the student’s retention or dismissal from the program will be made, based on

a) overall classroom performance, b) progress to date on the research topic, and c) the faculty’s

assessment of the student’s prospect for successful future progress in the graduate program.

Results of this review may include, but are not limited to:

a. Continuation in the program,

b. Required enrollment in remedial course work,

c. Required defense of research progress to date and/or an effective outline of future

research plans, or

d. Dismissal from the graduate program

In all cases, any CHE course with a grade of “C” must be repeated at the next offering of the

course. A grade of “C” in a second course will again result in a review of the student’s progress.

In all but the rarest cases, a second “C” in a CHE course (or a “D” or “F” in any course) will

result in dismissal from the graduate program. Further, at the completion of 25 or more credit

hours in the Ph.D. program, the student must have a cumulative grade point average (exclusive

of CHE 5000, 5990 and 6000) of no less than 3.00/4.00.

In all cases where satisfactory performance is in question, the faculty has the prerogative to alter

the degree program of the student. A Ph.D. candidate may be reassigned to the M.S. program

and expected to complete all requirements for that degree. For such a reassignment, the student

will not be eligible to pursue the Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering at OSU.

Course Requirements

Ph.D. students may enter the program in two ways, either (i) with a B.S. degree in Chemical

Engineering to pursue the Ph.D. without obtaining an M.S. degree, or (ii) with an M.S. degree in

Chemical Engineering. The requirements for each degree path are as follows:


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Students with a B.S. degree only


Core courses CHE 5123-Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering




CHE 6703 - Research Methods in Chemical Engineering

15

Seminar CHE 6010- Chemical Engineering Seminar 6

Elective Graduate-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by the

student, with approval of the student's advisor. Suggested Elective

Courses.

15

Thesis CHE 6000- Doctoral Thesis (With approval of the student’s advisory

committee, additional elective courses may be taken, with a

corresponding reduction in required credits in CHE 6000; but the

number of CHE 6000 credits may be no less than 36)

54

TOTAL 90

Students with a M.S. degree from OSU


Core courses CHE 6703 - Research Methods in Chemical Engineering 3


Elective Graduate-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by

the student, with approval of the student's advisor. Suggested

Elective Courses.

9

Thesis CHE 6000- Doctoral Thesis (With approval of the student’s

advisory committee, additional elective courses may be taken,

with a corresponding reduction in required credits in CHE 6000;

but the number of CHE 6000 credits may be no less than 30)

45

TOTAL 60




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Students with a M.S. degree not from OSU

Students in this category will be required the following in addition to the requirements for

students with a M.S. degree from OSU


Core courses CHE 5123 - Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering




CHE 6703 - Research Methods in Chemical Engineering

15


Elective Graduate-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by

the student, with approval of the student's advisor. Suggested

Elective Courses.

Thesis CHE 6000- Doctoral Thesis (With approval of the student’s

advisory committee, additional elective courses may be taken,

with a corresponding reduction in required credits in CHE 6000;

but the number of CHE 6000 credits may be no less than 30)

42

TOTAL 60

Twelve (12) hours of the OSU core courses (CHE 5123, CHE 5213, CHE 5743 and CHE

5843) -- or have completed courses with equivalent subject matter as part of their M.S.

degree program. Students may use up to six hours of OSU core courses (if required) to

satisfy an equivalent number of elective or doctoral thesis course hour requirements.

Six (6) additional hours of graduate-approved elective courses (which may replace six

hours of CHE 6000), selected by the student and approved by the student's advisor

Transfer of Credits

For the M.S. degree, a student may transfer a maximum of nine (acceptable) credits. For the

Ph.D. degree (following the M.S.), at least 30 credits must be completed at OSU, with no more

than nine hours transferred from non-Ph.D.-granting institutions. For students in the direct Ph.D.

program, at least 51 hours must be completed at OSU, with no more than nine hours from non-

Ph.D.-granting institutions. In all cases, transfer credits must have grades of “B” or better.

Decisions regarding the acceptability of transfer credits are made by the student’s Advisor, in

consultation with the Graduate Program Director.




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Minimum Enrollment

Ph.D. students without a M.S. degree are required to enroll as follows:

First Semester


All courses must be in CHE (unless approved by the Graduate Program Directory)



necessary (but may not be used to satisfy any graduation requirement)


Second Semester









CHE 6703 (Research Methods in Chemical Engineering) in the third semester

A minimum of six hours in the fall and spring semesters and three hours in the summer;

the specific courses will be determined by the student, with approval of the advisor

Ph.D. students with a M.S. degree from another university are required to enroll as follows:

First Semester


Courses must include all required CHE core courses offered that semester (except for

previously-completed graduate courses, containing equivalent material, from another

university)


necessary (but may not satisfy any graduation requirement)


Second Semester

A minimum of six (6) credit hours must be taken

Courses must include all required CHE core courses offered that semester (except for

previously-completed graduate courses, containing equivalent material, from another

university)

Three (3) hours of CHE 6000 and one (1) hour of CHE 6010 must be included


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A minimum of six hours in the fall and spring semesters and two hours in the summer;

the specific courses will be determined by the student, with approval of the advisor

In each of the above categories, exception to the above minimum enrollment requirements can be

made to permit a student to carry fewer than 10 hours in the first semester if, upon initial

enrollment in the program, the student agrees not to request financial support at any future time

while in the Ph.D. program.

Ph.D. students with a M.S. degree from OSU are required to enroll as follows:

All Semesters






A minimum of six hours in the fall and spring semesters and three hours in the summer;

the specific courses will be determined by the student, with approval of the advisor.

Preliminary Examination

To qualify for the Ph.D. degree, the student is required to pass the Preliminary Examination. This

is in addition to the student scoring a grade of B or better in each of the four ChE core areas

during the first year.

A comprehensive final will be used for the Preliminary Exam in each of the four ChE

core areas: CHE 5123, CHE 5213, CHE 5743 and CHE 5843. However, a specialty

course may be substituted for one of the four courses, upon approval by the Graduate

Advisory Committee.

Students will be examined in two core subjects in each of two consecutive semesters

upon completion of the course. This schedule could change if a specialty course is

substituted.

Each instructor from the core classes administers a comprehensive Preliminary Exam

covering the material content of each course, which will be defined in concert with other

faculty members with research interests in those core classes. These exams may be

scheduled at different times than the final exam of that course or may include the course

final exam.


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At the end of the semester, each student will be notified by the graduate program

coordinator whether they passed the Preliminary Exam. The decision is made by the

instructor and faculty members who contributed to the questions on the Preliminary

Exam. The score for passing the Preliminary Exam is separate from the score towards the

ChE core course grade.

Students who do not pass the Preliminary Exam are allowed to retake the exam one more

time during the next exam period (1 year later). However, the decision to allow a student

to retake the Preliminary Exam is determined in consultation with the graduate (i.e.,

dissertation) advisor.

No intermittent exams will be offered. The only exception is for one makeup Preliminary

Exam to students passing three core areas. The retake must be scheduled by the instructor

and be at least three months after the first Preliminary Exam.

The student must complete the Preliminary Exam prior to completing the proposal

Qualifying Examination. Students who do not pass the Preliminary Exam will lose

eligibility to continue in the PhD program.

Qualifying Examination

The Ph.D. candidate must complete a qualifying examination no later than the end of the fourth

semester of matriculation in the Ph.D. program for candidates holding a M.S. degree, or the sixth

semester of matriculation in the Ph.D. program for candidates holding a B.S. degree. This

examination will consist of (a) a written proposal regarding the student’s thesis research project

and (b) an oral defense of the proposal. The written proposal should conform to National Science

Foundation formatting requirements for text, length, bibliography and budget; all other NSF-

required documentation is not required. (see the NSF Grant Proposal Guidelines, accessible on

the Internet at www.nsf.gov).

The student shall submit a hypothesis-based proposal as prescribed by NSF guidelines

Advisor may mentor the student in developing the proposal

Proposal defense includes questions relating to (a) the proposed work, (b) a novel

research scenario, and (c) any other topic to assess student’s abilities and prescribe a plan

of study

An evaluation form will be used to assess the student’s performance in proposal

development and presentation

Failure to defend the proposal by the end of the appropriate period will result in loss of

funding

In preparation for the qualifying exam, the student must complete CHE 6703, Research Methods

in Chemical Engineering, during the third semester in the program.

Public Presentation

A public presentation is required as part of the Ph.D. program. This requirement can be met by

(1) giving an oral, full-length seminar as part of the CHE 6010 seminar series, (2) delivering an

oral presentation at a professional society meeting, or (3) a similar experience deemed acceptable

by the candidate’s Advisory Committee.

http://www.nsf.gov/

http://che.okstate.edu/sites/default/files/u14/Proposal%20Review%20R1.pdf


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This requirement will normally be met as soon as significant research results have been

achieved. In the case of an on-campus seminar, the presentation will be made well in advance of

the Ph.D. defense. Students wishing to give an on-campus seminar must make arrangements in a

manner prescribed by the CHE Graduate Seminar Coordinator.

Final Dissertation Presentation and Oral Examination

The defense of the Ph.D. dissertation will culminate the candidate’s Ph.D. program. The

candidate must make a public oral presentation summarizing the research work and results. The

candidate must schedule his/her dissertation defense with the CHE Graduate Seminar

Coordinator (CHE 6010). Usually, the defense will be scheduled during the CHE seminar period,

given the availability of the candidate’s Advisory Committee during this time. The candidate will

be allotted 20-30 minutes to summarize the objectives, methods, results and conclusions of the

research.

Following the candidate’s presentation, both the public and the Advisory Committee members

will be permitted to ask questions for a period of time deemed reasonable by the Chair of the

Advisory Committee. After the public questioning, the audience will be excused, and the

Advisory Committee will pursue any further lines of questioning deemed appropriate. The

candidate will then be excused during deliberations of the Advisory Committee. Decisions that

the Advisory Committee may reach include, but are not limited to:

1. The candidate has successfully defended the Ph.D. dissertation

2. The candidate must revise the dissertation to the satisfaction of the Examining

Committee, with possible reexamination, or

3. The candidate has failed the dissertation defense and is dismissed from the Ph.D.

program; alternatively, the Examining Committee may offer the candidate the option to

convert to an M.S. degree program.

Presentation of Research Findings at a National Forum

The Ph.D. candidate is expected to present his/her findings in a national forum, such as the

AIChE or ACS technical conferences. This will help disseminate the research findings to

engineering and scientific community and generate useful technical feedback.

Publication of Research Findings

The Ph.D. candidate is expected to demonstrate a successful completion of research, as indicated

by level of fruition and external acceptance. This may be accomplished by submitting:

Two manuscripts for publications in refereed journals

One refereed journal submission may be substituted for by two conference proceedings,

or one patent application, or evidence for industrial process implementation.

Important Links:

Graduate College Academic Calendar

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/graduate-college-academic-calendar

Forms

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/FormsPage

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/graduate-college-academic-calendar

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/FormsPage


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V. THESIS/DISSERTATION RESEARCH ADVISOR

Thesis Dissertation Guidelines

Graduate College provides uniform standards for material included in theses and dissertations

that are submitted by graduate students in partial fulfillment of the requirements for masters and

doctoral degrees. Visit http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/tdg for more details.

Qualifications necessary to serve as a thesis or dissertation advisor

The Advisor’s primary responsibility is as a mentor. As a result, it is expected that the Advisor

will establish the closest working relationship with the student. The Advisor must hold an

appropriate OSU Graduate Faculty appointment, but need not hold an OSU faculty appointment

if not serving as Chair. The Advisor guides and counsels the student in the research or scholarly

effort, ensuring compliance with applicable research regulations. The Advisor serves as the

primary resource for the graduate student in identifying potential committee members for the

student’s Advisory Committee. The Advisor is responsible for reporting to the Advisory

Committee on the student’s progress. It is the Advisor’s responsibility to mentor the student

toward a research, scholarly or creative project that is original and worthy of the degree sought.

The Advisor is typically involved in the preparation of scientific or creative presentations,

manuscripts for publication, etc. which may be a degree requirement in some graduate programs.

Student’s Research Advisor Leaves the Institution: Should a student's Research Advisor leave

OSU before the student completes his/her degree, the following steps may be taken after

consultation with the Research Advisor and Graduate Program Coordinator:

For a master’s student or doctoral candidate who need only complete their research project

to finish the degree, the student may complete the research project under the direction of

the original Research Advisor. If the Advisor is also the Chair of the student’s Advisory

Committee, a new Chair would be appointed. The original Research Advisor can continue

as a member of OSU’s Graduate Faculty, participate in the student's thesis/dissertation

defense, and fulfill his/her obligations to the student.

For a master’s or doctoral student (defined as not having met the requirements for doctoral

candidacy) who is in the early stages of their program and research project, he/she may

choose a new Advisor and start a new research project.

A student may also choose to transfer to the advisor’s new educational institution.

If a student is unable to secure a new Advisor in 30 calendar days, there is no obligation on the

part of the program, Graduate College or Oklahoma State University to provide a new one.

Without an Advisor the student will not be eligible to continue in the graduate program.

Student-Advisor Relationship: When it is determined that a graduate student and Advisor can

no longer work together, and all efforts for conflict resolution within the program have been

exhausted, it is the responsibility of the student to identify a new Advisor or change to another

degree option or program. The Graduate Program Coordinator can assist with this process, but

Oklahoma State University is under no obligation to provide the student a new Advisor. If a new

Advisor cannot be identified in 30 calendar days, the student will no longer be eligible to

continue in the graduate program.

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/tdg


Page | 19

Important Links:

Graduate Faculty Database:

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources

Oklahoma State University Guidelines for Best Practices in Graduate Education

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/best-practices

Best Practices: Advisory Committees and Defenses


https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources




Page | 20

VI. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Selecting a Thesis Advisory Committee

Four or more members

o Chair

Administrator for committee, responsible for ensuring that all applicable Graduate

College and program rules and guidelines are fulfilled and proper paperwork is filed

Must be approved by Graduate Faculty to chair PhD advisory committees (see

Graduate College Faculty Database)

The primary responsibility of the Chair of a graduate student’s Advisory Committee

is to monitor the progress of the student toward degree completion. The Chair is

commonly the research Advisor, but this is not a requirement. The Chair must have

a strong familiarity with the academic requirements appropriate to the degree

sought. The Chair must hold an appropriate OSU Graduate Faculty appointment,

typically a tenure-track appointment in the academic unit in which the graduate

degree is housed. The Chair’s duties include convening meetings of the Advisory

Committee, as appropriate; ensuring compliance with University and Graduate

College policies, procedures and requirements; overseeing the Plan of Study and

thesis/dissertation submission processes; and ensuring that the research topic

undertaken is appropriate to satisfy degree requirements with the results openly

accessible. If the Chair is not also the Advisor, the Chair should serve as a liaison

with the Advisor with regard to progress of research in fulfillment of degree

requirements.

o Thesis advisor

Must be a member of the Graduate Faculty (Graduate College Faculty Database)

approved to mentor students

o Expert committee member

Must include at least one Expert Member whose expertise and counsel serve the

graduate student in attaining the research, scholarly, creative or professional

preparation goal that is worthy of the degree sought. Expert Members must hold an

appropriate OSU Graduate Faculty appointment. Typically, such individuals are faculty

members in the student’s graduate program. An Expert Member’s responsibilities

include guiding the research, scholarly or creative activities throughout the process,

approving the Plan of Study, reviewing draft documents, attending regular meetings of

the Advisory Committee, and interacting regularly with Advisory Committee members

to facilitate and monitor degree completion progress.

o Outside member

Represents the Graduate College on the advisory committee ensuring the integrity

of the processes of the committee

Must be an OSU faculty member and member of the Graduate Faculty (Graduate

College Faculty Database)

Non-OSU faculty members must be approved by the Graduate Faculty (typically

requires one to six months to gain approval)


Page | 21

The outside Member serves as the representative of the Graduate College to ensure

a high level of integrity in the processes that the Advisory Committee utilizes to

review and evaluate the student throughout the graduate program. The Outside

Member must be a member of the OSU faculty and Graduate Faculty, but must not

be a faculty member from the academic unit or graduate program of either the

graduate student, Advisor or the Chair of the Advisory Committee. The Outside

Member ensures that appropriate academic standards are applied in evaluating the

student, and that the student is dealt with in a fair manner consistent with OSU

policies. The Outside member also provides expert advice when appropriate to the

student in the conduct of research and writing of the dissertation.

The Advisory Committee will use the written and oral portions of the defense to evaluate the

student’s ability to:

Identify a specific chemical engineering problem (or analyze an existing problem) where

research is needed

Present a defensible rationale for undertaking the research

Through careful analysis of the problem, establish the current state of knowledge,

determine additional knowledge needed to solve the problem, and then summarize this

material in logical fashion

Articulate a testable research hypothesis

Construct a plan of research to solve the problem and provide sufficient evidence in

support of the research hypothesis, including details on the specific methods to be

employed

State clearly the expected outcomes of the research and the value of the results to the

profession and to society

Develop a budget for the proposed work

Communicate all the above in clear, well-constructed written and oral presentations

The Advisory Committee will use the above information to determine if the candidate is suitable

for continuation in the Ph.D. program. Questions regarding the Qualifying Examination should

be referred to the Graduate Program Director.

Some decisions that the Advisory Committee may reach include, but are not limited to:

The candidate has successfully defended the proposal and may proceed with the proposed

research program,

The candidate must revise the examination material to satisfy the Examining Committee,

with possible reexamination,

The candidate must enroll in additional course work prescribed to address particular

shortcomings in the candidate’s background, research program or communication skills,

or

The candidate has failed the qualifying examination and is dismissed from the Ph.D.

program; alternatively, the Examining Committee may offer the candidate the option to

convert to an M.S. degree program


Page | 22

Graduate Committee Meetings

A Ph.D. Student is required to meet with his/her Advisory Committee at least once a year to

review the student’s progress in graduate studies:

The review process will deal with both research and course work requirements

The student is expected to update the plan of study to reflect the current opinion of the

Advisory Committee

The student will be responsible for facilitating the process

Failure to meet this requirement will result in blocked enrollment

Important Links:

Best Practices: Advisory Committees and Defenses:


Plan of Study Workshops: https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/pos-workshops

Plan of Study Portal: http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/planofstudy

Graduate Faculty Database:

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources


https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/pos-workshops


http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources


Page | 23

VII. PROGRAM MILESTONES

Chemical Engineering MS Milestone Checklist

Complete online Responsible Conduct of Research module (required prior to enrollment

in first semester of graduate studies

http://www.gradcollege.okstate.edu/faculty/RCR_grad_students.htm

Complete online Title IX training, http://1is2many.okstate.edu

Fall Semester

Complete required core courses

Attend CHE 6010 Graduate Seminar Series (if there is a conflict with another course,

make sure you obtain exemption for CHE 6010 from the ChE Graduate Coordinator)

Inform ChE Graduate Coordinator ([email protected]) how you are funded

Research thesis project topic and select thesis advisory committee

o Chair/Advisor



o Two (or more) Members

Represent the Graduate College on the advisory committee ensuring the integrity


Develop Plan of Study (POS)

(gradcollege.okstate.edu/planofstudy)

er to

release the administrative hold to enroll in classes next semester

rse choices with advisor/chair

Provide ChE Graduate Coordinator with a copy of POS to verify that it meets ChE

requirements

) semester credits is required by the University for Graduation

this requirement is met by the CHE M.S. curriculum

E 5000 MS Thesis

-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by the

student, with approval of the student's advisor

Obtain approval signatures on the on-line POS form from the committee members

involved and make sure all committee members approve by reminding them

Complete performance review for the semester


Page | 24

Spring Semester


23 Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering




Complete Annual Review with advisor

Subsequent Semester(s)



Completed performance review for the semester

Graduating Semester of MS study

Must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 credit hours

Check deadline dates on Graduate College Calendar for graduation semester

Submit Draft of Thesis to Graduate College by semester deadline

Submit Diploma Application

Complete Graduation Clearance form and give completed to the Graduate College

Revise POS, if necessary, with Graduate College (complete on-line)

Complete thesis defense oral presentation

o Submit thesis copy to the thesis committee at least one week prior to the defense

date

o Present your thesis and the duration for your presentation should be no more than

20 min

o Chair for thesis defense deliberations will be the senior most faculty member on

the thesis committee from the department, other than the advisor

o After thesis defense, complete the Thesis Defense Results Form with thesis

committee obtaining Signatures, submit a copy to the ChE Graduate

Coordinator and original to the Graduate College

Ensure all recommendations from the thesis committee are addressed in the thesis

Complete the Thesis Approval Template (single white sheet with signatures since thesis

is submitted electronically) and file with Graduate College

Submit final version of thesis online to 1) Graduate College and 2) ChE Graduate

Coordinator [email protected] before the semester deadline

Complete ChE Graduation Clearance form (http://che.okstate.edu/node/52 - Graduation

Clearance Procedure) and give to ChE Graduate Coordinator.


Page | 25

Chemical Engineering Ph.D. Milestone Checklist

Complete online Responsible Conduct of Research module (required prior to enrollment

in first semester of graduate studies

http://www.gradcollege.okstate.edu/faculty/RCR_grad_students.htm

Complete online Title IX training, http://1is2many.okstate.edu

Fall Semester




Inform ChE Graduate Coordinator ([email protected]) how you are funded

(list below)

Research thesis project topic

Pass Qualifying Exams


Spring Semester


CHE 5123 Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering



Pass Qualifying Exams

Develop Plan of Study (POS)

(gradcollege.okstate.edu/planofstudy)

ed to the Graduate College prior to the end of the second semester in

order to release the administrative hold to enroll in classes next semester

Select thesis advisory committee

o Chair

Administrator for committee responsible for ensuring that all applicable

Graduate College and program rules and guidelines are fulfilled and

proper paperwork is filed

Must be approved by Graduate Faculty to chair PhD advisory committees

(see Graduate College Faculty Database)

o Thesis advisor

http://1is2many.okstate.edu/


Page | 26



o Outside member

Represents the Graduate College on the advisory committee ensuring the integrity


Must be an OSU faculty member and member of the Graduate Faculty (Graduate

College Faculty Database)

Non-OSU faculty members must be approved by the Graduate Faculty (typically

requires one to six months to gain approval)

Provide ChE Graduate Coordinator with a provisional copy of POS to verify that it meets

ChE and Graduate College rules

urs

6000 PhD Research and Thesis

- Chemical Engineering Seminar/MS Degree, 3

credit hours CHE 6010- Chemical Engineering Seminar

-approved elective (CHE or other) courses, selected by the student,

with approval of the student's advisor to make a total of 90/60 credit hours on the POS

Obtain approval signatures on the on-line POS form from the committee members

involved and make sure all committee members approve by reminding them


Complete Annual Review with advisor

Second Fall Semester

Complete required core course



Develop research plan


Second Spring Semester



Complete research proposal defense

Submit research proposal copy to the thesis committee two weeks prior to the defense

date

Present your thesis proposal and the duration for your presentation should be no more

than 20 min


Page | 27

After research proposal defense, complete the Research Proposal Defense Results Form

with thesis advisory committee obtaining Signatures, provide a copy to the ChE Graduate

Coordinator and take to the Graduate College

Admission to PhD Candidacy

for admission to PhD candidacy

ates must complete 6 credit hours of graduate studies prior to graduation


Subsequent Semester(s)



Present on dissertation project at CHE 6010 Chemical Engineer Seminar by scheduling a

time with the instructor of the course (and the advisor/committee)

Complete performance review for the semester(s)

Graduating Semester

Must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 credit hours

Check deadline dates on Graduate College Calendar for graduation semester

Submit Draft of Thesis to Graduate College by semester deadline

Submit Diploma Application

Complete Graduation Clearance form and give completed to the Graduate College

Revise POS, if necessary, with Graduate College (complete on-line)

Complete thesis defense oral presentation

o Submit thesis copy to the thesis committee at least two weeks prior to the defense

date

o Present your thesis and the duration for your presentation should be no more than

20 min

o Chair for thesis defense deliberations will be the senior most faculty member on

the thesis committee from the department other than the advisor

o After thesis defense, complete the Thesis Defense Results Form with thesis

committee obtaining Signatures, submit a copy to the ChE Graduate Coordinator

and original to the Graduate College

Ensure all recommendations from the thesis committee are addressed in the thesis

Complete the Thesis Approval Template (single white sheet with signatures since thesis

is submitted electronically) and file with Graduate College

Submit final version of thesis online to 1) Graduate College and 2) ChE Graduate

Coordinator [email protected] before the semester deadline

Make plans for attending the Graduate College Commencement celebration

Complete ChE Graduation Clearance form (http://che.okstate.edu/node/52 - Graduation

Clearance Procedure) and give to ChE Graduate Coordinator


Page | 28

Annual Review of Graduate Student

Each semester students will be asked to take a survey on their accomplishments and research/scholarly and other creative activities. The data will be compiled, sent to advisors and in the

Spring students and advisors will fill out an Annual Review. Areas of strength, areas for growth and

development, milestones, and expected progress are discussed during the review.

Important Links:

Checklist for Doctoral Students:

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/doctoral-checklist

Checklist for Masters Students:

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/masters-checklist

Thesis/Dissertation Templates:

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/thesis-and-dissertation-templates

Best Practices: Advisory Committees and Defenses


http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/doctoral-checklist

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/masters-checklist

http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/thesis-and-dissertation-templates



Page | 29

IX. PROGRAM POLICIES: INTEGRITY IN RESEARCH

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY USE PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

Safety Culture and the Safety Orientation training (recorded sessions featuring EHS) should

be taken by all faculty and students conducting research in CEAT laboratories.

Directions for enrolling are as follows:

-Logon to D2L (https://oc.okstate.edu/) with your Okey Username and Password

-From your D2L home page, select the "Self-Registration" link at the top of the page.

-Scroll down and select the “STW_CEAT_Safety-General” and/or the

"STW_CEAT_ Safety-Intro to Safety Culture" link(s) from the list of courses.

-From the "Description" page select "Register" in the bottom right corner of the box.

-Verify that your information is correct in the "Registration Form" box. Then select "Submit".

-The confirmation box will now appear and you are registered for the course. Select "Ok".

-If there are registration questions, contact Jillian Conaghan at [email protected].

-Upon successful completion of the course, a certificate will be emailed to the students.

Forward this email to [email protected]

Laboratory Access Procedure

1. All students should read OSU Laboratory Safety Manual.

http://ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/labman.htm, review and sign Safety Contract form. File a

copy in laboratory manual where you will be working and bring one to Lab Manager.

2. Visit Environmental Health Sciences Website

http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/hazcom/index.htm

o Go through the training module and take quiz

http://ehs.okstate.edu/tests/Hzcmtest.htm.

o Print off quiz with score of 80% or better and bring to Lab Manager.

3. Fill out the Safety Video Completion form and bring to Lab Manager.

4. Obtain signature of Lab Manager and take form to Office Manager to obtain lab keys.

Continuous Safety Training

All graduate students - and undergraduate students who are assigned to a laboratory project or

desk - are required to attend a "Hazardous Communication Training Seminar” and a “Chemical

Engineering Safety Seminar". Attend annual training sessions. These presentations are

scheduled as part of the CHE 6010 seminar series. Further, regular safety information is

provided throughout the academic year in the form of short presentations or written email

bulletins.

Safety Inspection

Regular safety inspections of each laboratory are conducted. The Laboratory Manager and one

faculty member comprise the safety inspection team. Graduate students must maintain their

laboratories in a condition that will pass this inspection. Any problems in the laboratory will be

noted on a safety report form and submitted to the individual student and the faculty advisor

charged with responsibility for the equipment or laboratory area. The student is required to

confer with his/her advisor and to correct the reported problems, then furnish a report to the

http://www.orangeconnection.org/redirect.aspx?linkID=287296&eid=5467539

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/labman.htm

http://che.okstate.edu/sites/default/files/u14/Safety%20Contract.pdf

http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/hazcom/index.htm

http://ehs.okstate.edu/tests/Hzcmtest.htm

http://che.okstate.edu/sites/default/files/u14/safety%20video%20form.pdf

http://che.okstate.edu/sites/default/files/u14/LabInspectionForm.pdf


Page | 30

Laboratory Manager. The Laboratory Manager will maintain records of these reports. You are

expected to take prompt action to correct any problems.

Labs are inspected randomly by safety representatives from EHS and other outside auditors so it

is imperative that the labs are maintained according to the safety directives.

Posted Safety Procedures

A set of safety procedures must be posted in each laboratory. If the laboratory you occupy does

not have such safety procedures posted (or the posted procedures are out of date), you should

immediately contact the professor in charge of that lab and develop a set of safety procedures to

post.

Safety Goggles/Glasses

State and Federal laws state that all persons (including visitors) are required to wear approved

goggles (Type No. 2, USA Standard Practice) in all laboratories in which the following

conditions exist:

Melting, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding, or stamping of any solid material

Gas or electric arc welding

Experiments which involve caustic, acidic, or explosive materials, hot liquids or solids, or

injurious radiations

Other hazards not enumerated

If, at any time you are in doubt whether goggles are required or not, ask your advisor. If

goggles are required, you are to purchase your own. The laboratory manager will indicate the

approved type.

Laboratories

The following considerations apply to the operations in our individual two- or four-person

laboratories in CHE.

1. Doors: You must not cover the windows in the laboratory doors. We respect your desire for

privacy; however, your safety is our first concern. In the event of an emergency in your

laboratory, a person passing by must be able to see into the laboratory in order to observe

the problem through your window and be of assistance.

2. Security: The laboratories contain valuable equipment, documents and personal property.

Always lock the door whenever you leave the laboratory, even for a brief period. Upon the

completion of your research program, your key must be returned to the Administrative

Support Specialist.

3. Lights: The lights in the laboratories should be turned off while laboratories are not

occupied, particularly at night. There are, of course, cases where a continual source of light

is necessary for the work being conducted.

4. Visitors: Your lab is a work/study area and should always be maintained as such. Please do

not have guests in the lab while experimentation is underway, others are studying, or if

teaching assistance is being given. At no time should several people congregate in the


Page | 31

laboratories to "visit," nor should there ever be any form of "horse-play”. Please help us

maintain a safe, professional environment in our laboratories.

5. Windows: The lab windows should be kept closed at all times for energy conservation and to

prevent rain and wind damage to documents, instruments, and the building.

6. Eating, Drinking and Use of Tobacco in Laboratories: In all laboratories, eating and

drinking is not allowed if chemicals are present.

All forms of tobacco use are prohibited on OSU campus. Everyone is expected to

comply at all times with this policy on tobacco use.

7. Fume Hoods: The primary purpose of a fume hood is to provide an area where you can

handle hazardous materials safely. In some of the laboratories it is necessary to temporarily

store chemicals or place an experiment in the hood. There are a few simple rules to follow to

ensure that the hoods function properly:

When handling hazardous materials, use the area six inches back from the sash,

Place all containers two or three inches from back wall, Place large containers in

the center of the hood,

Keep the sash closed when not in use.

8. House Cleaning: CHE follows the policy that students and technicians are responsible for

maintaining their own laboratories in a neat and orderly condition. This housekeeping

method is employed (instead of the use of custodial services) in order to protect the

laboratory equipment and maintain security. When wastebaskets in the lab become full, they

should be placed in the hall outside the laboratory for overnight pickup by the janitorial

services on Tuesday / Thursday evenings.

9. Clothing: No open-toed shoes or shorts should be worn in our laboratories. The question of

protection of arms and legs by use of long pants, coveralls, aprons, or other attire must be

discussed by each student working in our laboratories with the research project advisor.

Chemical Inventory

A current Chemical Inventory should be maintained in the laboratory at all times. As new

chemicals are received they should be written on the Inventory and presented to the Lab

Manager when monthly laboratory inspections occur. If chemicals are used up and will not be

replaced, it should also be noted.

Handling Chemicals

As you would expect, chemicals are utilized extensively in our research programs. The

following policies are designed to make their use as safe as possible.

1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): You must have one for every chemical in your lab.

You must read and understand the MSDS for every chemical you use. MSDS for most

chemicals are also kept on file in 421 EN. Before using or transporting any chemicals, you


Page | 32

should obtain the MSDS for that material and read and understand the potential dangers

associated with that chemical.

2. Flammable Chemicals: Extreme care must be used when working with flammable

chemicals. You should always check on the flammability (and toxicity) of any chemical you

use -- before you use it. Never heat open containers of flammable liquids over flames or on

hot plates. Also realize that the vapors from such liquids can travel across the room and be

ignited by sources (electrical plugs and switches, etc.), which are far removed from the

experiment. Consult your advisor for appropriate safety procedures to use when dealing with

flammable substances.

3. Transportation of Hazardous Chemicals: Care and consideration must be given to

transporting certain chemicals from laboratory to laboratory or across campus. Pressurized

gas cylinders must be moved only on the special dolly designed for this purpose. Cylinders

should not be rolled across the floor nor transported in an automobile. If the top valve is

accidentally knocked off of a high-pressure cylinder, an uncontrolled rocket will result (even

if the pressurized gas is nothing more than air). Of course, the need to carefully transport a

toxic substance is even greater. Glass containers of bases, acids, liquid nitrogen, and similar

substances are best moved by placing the glass container inside a plastic bucket to minimize

breakage and to control spillage in the event of a leak. If you have questions regarding how

to move a material, see your advisor or the Laboratory Manager.

4. Disposal of Chemicals: The proper disposal of chemical wastes is a major concern to the

University. If you have chemical waste material that must be discarded, please consult with

the Laboratory Manager for appropriate methods. Under no circumstances are you to

dispose of chemicals by pouring them down the sinks or drains in the lab or in the

restrooms. Chemical wastes should be placed in an appropriate container labelled

specifically for disposal purposes. The label is to contain details about the chemical(s) to be

disposed. When necessary to be removed, you need to fill out a Chemical Removal Request

form obtained by clicking the following link

(http://ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/labman/Chap3d6.htm) and submit to the Laboratory

Manager. Our laboratory manager coordinates chemical disposal with the OSU Physical

Plant.

Do not leave any unlabeled containers or bottles of chemicals in your laboratory. These

so-called "mystery bottles" can cause considerable concern and expense. When someone

moves into your laboratory and finds unlabeled material, a very difficult (and potentially

expensive) decision must be made about its contents, use, and disposal.

5. Gas Cylinders: Compressed gas cylinders used in the laboratories require special

attention and training. Make sure you received training on compressed gas cylinders.

Always move the gas cylinders with the caps in place and use the special dolly designed

for cylinder transport. Gas cylinders in the laboratory must always be securely strapped

to a bench, wall, or appropriate structure.

Click on the following webpage for a compressed gas safety module and

quiz: http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/cylinder/

http://ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/labman/Chap3d6.htm

http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/cylinder/


Page | 33

6. Toxic Chemicals: Special precautions have to be taken for toxic chemicals. For example,

Mercury is a very hazardous chemical. All mercury used in your laboratory work must be

checked out from the Laboratory Manager. Should you have any spillage or if any mercury

becomes contaminated such that it is not suitable for use, you are to advise the Laboratory

Manager at once. No mercury is to be disposed of in any way other than by returning it to

the Laboratory Manager.

Hydrogen sulfide is very toxic and demands extreme attention and care. Please inform your

advisor and the School Head before you begin any use of H2S. You must arrange to have at

least one other person nearby and informed of your use in case assistance is required. In fact, this

is a good practice for all experimental operations involving any sort of hazards. A sensing device

is available from the storeroom to detect the level of H2S if you are concerned or suspect its

presence. Speak with your advisor about the need for a breathing apparatus, continuous monitor,

and signs regarding the use of H2S.

Follow similar precautions for other toxic chemicals.

Equipment

Most labs will contain significant amounts of valuable equipment for use in experimental

research. The following information pertains to the proper use of these items.

1. Manuals: For the convenience of all users, operational manuals and instructions are to be

maintained with the appropriate equipment and instruments.

2. Removal of Equipment: There will be times when you must transfer equipment,

instruments or tools from one laboratory to another. Never remove anything from another

laboratory without first obtaining approval of the faculty in charge of that particular

laboratory and informing the Lab Manager.

3. Tools: You may require tools and instruments to conduct your research activities. Some

tools are also kept in 421 EN and can be checked out. You are responsible for maintaining

the tools and instruments in a satisfactory condition and for their security. The borrowing of

tools and instruments without checking with the Laboratory Manager is not permitted. At

the conclusion of your research project, you must turn in all tools, equipment and

instruments to the Laboratory Manager. Missing items must be paid for or replaced in an

appropriate manner.

4. Maintenance of Equipment and Instruments: If you have equipment items or instruments

in your laboratory under regular use in your research, please see that they are properly

maintained. If there is a breakdown or malfunction of any item, you should repair it or have

it repaired immediately. Under no circumstances should you have an inoperative item in

the laboratory for someone else to come along later and face the problem of repair. Get the

item fixed immediately or take it to the Laboratory Manager for repair or disposal.


Page | 34

Graduation Clearance Procedure

To better control the state in which laboratories and equipment are left after graduate students

complete their projects, the following clearance procedure is enforced.

Arrange with your major advisor and the Laboratory Manager for laboratory and/or office

inspection

Turn in keys, equipment, instruments, books, reports and all other borrowed items

Obtain clearance signatures from the Laboratory Manager, Administrative Support

Specialist, and School Head

Return the ChE Department Graduation Clearance Form to the Laboratory Manager

An indefinite hold will be placed on a student’s graduation until the checkout procedure is

completed.

REPORTING ACCIDENTS

Accidents will occur no matter how much care is taken. Find out now how to report any sort of

emergency (fire, ambulance, police). Also locate the nearest water safety showers, eyewashes,

fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

To report an emergency, use a regular telephone and dial number 911. In Engineering North,

another alternative is to use one of the two yellow emergency telephone boxes located in the

center of the 3rd floor hallway and the South end of the 4th floor in the stairwell. These

emergency boxes are to be used only for that purpose. Of course fires may be reported by

activating the alarm boxes that are located at several points on each floor.

In an emergency you are expected to use some judgment as to the procedures to follow. The

faculty in charge of the research in your laboratory must be informed immediately of any

accident that occurs, no matter how small. The faculty or School Head should never receive the

first information about an accident from an outside source, i.e., the news media or even Safety

and Security.

Important Links:

Academic Calendar:

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/graduate-college-academic-calendar

Graduate Student Appeals:

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/appeals-policy

Leave of Absence Policy:

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/leave-of-absence-policy

http://che.okstate.edu/sites/default/files/u14/CHE%20Graduation%20clearance1.pdf

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/graduate-college-academic-calendar

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/appeals-policy

https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/leave-of-absence-policy


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Important Links:

RCR Core Subject Areas: http://compliance.okstate.edu/rcr/core-subject-areas

RCR Training: http://compliance.okstate.edu/rcr/training

RCR Policy: https://stillwater.sharepoint.okstate.edu/Policies/Shared%20Documents/Requirements%20for%20Training%20in%20the%20Responsible%20Conduct%20of%20Research.pdf

Appropriate Use of Human Subjects in Research: http://compliance.okstate.edu/irb/irb-index

Appropriate Use of Animals in Research: http://compliance.okstate.edu/iacuc/iacuc-index

Biosafety Program: http://compliance.okstate.edu/ibc/ibc-index

Radiation Safety Program: http://compliance.okstate.edu/rso/rso-index

Laser Safety Program: http://compliance.okstate.edu/lso/lso-index

Professional Society Links Related to Professional Conduct:

http://compliance.okstate.edu/rcr/core-subject-areas

http://compliance.okstate.edu/rcr/training

https://stillwater.sharepoint.okstate.edu/Policies/Shared%20Documents/Requirements%20for%20Training%20in%20the%20Responsible%20Conduct%20of%20Research.pdf

https://stillwater.sharepoint.okstate.edu/Policies/Shared%20Documents/Requirements%20for%20Training%20in%20the%20Responsible%20Conduct%20of%20Research.pdf

http://compliance.okstate.edu/irb/irb-index

http://compliance.okstate.edu/iacuc/iacuc-index

http://compliance.okstate.edu/ibc/ibc-index

http://compliance.okstate.edu/rso/rso-index

http://compliance.okstate.edu/lso/lso-index


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X. STUDENT CONDUCT AND APPEALS PROCESS

Dismissal from the Graduate Program

Graduate students may be dismissed from their program for academic integrity violations,

student misconduct or behavior that is deemed an egregious violation of professional behavior.

In such instances, the student will be informed by the program of the intent to dismiss and their

right for due process and to appeal. If a student appeals the decision to dismiss, s/he must be

allowed to maintain enrollment and continue working toward the graduate degree in the same

manner as any other graduate student in the program during the appeals process. Continued

enrollment is not required to appeal. Once the decision of the appropriate appeals panel is made,

it will be final.

The purpose of the Appeals Process is to provide current graduate students in the Chemical

Engineering Graduate Program the opportunity to resolve complaints about dismissal from the

program, placement on probation, recommended denial of readmission to the program, and other

administrative or academic decisions that terminate or impede a student’s progress toward their

academic or professional degree goals.

The student is required to provide written notification of appeal to the graduate program

coordinator within 14 calendar days of the precipitating event that is the subject of the appeal. If

the Graduate Program Coordinator is an involved party, the student should seek advice from the

unit head or associate dean of graduate studies in their disciplinary college. Notification should

include, information on the circumstances of the appeal, specific issues involved, and the

remediation action sought. The document should be no more than two pages. Within 7 calendar

days of receipt of the notification, any involved parties within the program (e.g., faculty or staff)

will be notified and provided a copy of the appeal. The graduate program’s appeals committee

will be convened to hear the appeal within a reasonable amount of time, usually 30 days. At the

hearing, the student will have the opportunity to present their case and the same time would be

allowed for counterarguments, if warranted. Questions may be asked of either party by members

of the appeals committee. At the end of this hearing, the program’s appeals committee will

deliberate, and their decision will be considered final at the program level. The student will be

notified in writing of the decision and their right to appeal to unit head, followed by the Dean of

the Graduate College, if they so choose.

Throughout the appeal process the student is allowed to maintain enrollment and continue

working toward the graduate degree in the same manner as any other matriculated graduate

student in the program. Continued enrollment is not required to appeal within the allowed

timeframes.

Unless stated otherwise, all deadlines are by 5:00 pm central time on the day of the deadline or

the next regular business day (Monday–Friday) when the deadline falls on a weekend (Saturday–

Sunday) or OSU official holiday, such as Labor Day. Time frames and deadlines that extend

beyond the end of the academic terms (fall and spring semesters and summer sessions) are

handled at the discretion of the Graduate Program Coordinator.